Benalla’s A grade netball side has fallen just short of recording its first win of the Goulburn Valley League season, going down in a competitive clash against Rochester in round six.
With home court advantage at Benalla Showgrounds, the Saints started strongly, matching the Tigers in the opening term to enter the first break just a goal in arrears.
It was quickly made up, however, with Benalla winning the second term by a goal to head into the halftime huddle all square at 14-14, with Bridget Hill and Nikita Hanson combining well under the ring to draw the Saints level.
But a lapse as the two sides returned to the court cost Benalla dearly, with the Tigers scoring eight of the first 10 goals in the third term amid a 15-5 quarter, blowing the contest wide open to enjoy a 10-goal advantage with one quarter to play.
It was a valiant effort from the Saints in the final term, refusing to let Rochester run away with things, winning the quarter 12-8 and pegging the Tigers’ lead back to just six, however it was too little, too late, as Rochester claimed the eventual 37-31 victory.
Megan Morrison put in a strong performance on the defensive end, named Benalla’s best in the loss, while Nikita Hanson’s work in attack earned her a spot in the best also, alongside the ever-reliable Chloe Hill, with the Saints coach continuing to lead by example week in, week out.
It doesn’t get any easier for Benalla, either, with a road trip to Euroa in round seven to take on the reigning premier in formidable form, the Magpies yet to lose a game in 2025.
In other results, Benalla’s B grade side went down 27 to 32, with Claire Marriott, Alex Davies and Mia Matthews best on court in the loss, while B Reserve went down 30 to 55 against a strong Rochester outfit despite brilliant efforts from Kate O'Donoghue, Madi King and Chelsea Wallace.
The under-17s were valiant in defeat, led by Bronti Mustey, Matilda Horne, and Georgia Levy in the 35 to 55 loss, while the under-15 side went down by a goal, losing 34-35, with Darcey Carracher, Claudia Kelly and Ilka Cunneen the best on court.